Anthony Nolan has experienced a surge in applications from people wanting to join the bone marrow register after the emotional meeting of a young patient and his donor was featured on ITV’s Surprise Surprise.
Almost 5,000 people have applied to join the register since last Sunday evening, including 3,000 in the 12 hours following the prime time programme.
Henny Braund, Chief Executive at Anthony Nolan, says, ‘We have been overwhelmed at the response from the general public following ITV’s Surprise Surprise – it really is incredible.
‘Domenic’s story demonstrates the life changing difference that a bone marrow transplant can make to someone with blood cancer. The positive response from the public shows that when people learn more about bone marrow transplants and find out how easy it is to donate, they are happy to join the register.’
‘We are especially delighted that a significant amount of young men joined the register following Sunday evening’s programme. We need more young men to step forward and join as they are the most likely to be chosen to donate, but are currently under-represented on the register.’